| Mycobacterium avium is sometimes found as part of a larger complex called the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). MAC is an opportunistic infection that takes advantage of a weakened immune system. It can infect one part of your body, such as your lungs, bones, or intestines. This is called localized infection. It can spread and cause disease throughout your body. This is called disseminated infection. With HIV, MAC infection usually happens only after you receive a diagnosis of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and when CD4 cell counts drop below 50 (WebMD - Mycobacterium avium complex). |
